The Scholars’ 12th place finish was the highest in its history as was the tally of 57 points in the Ryman League Division One North.

Despite this, boss Lee felt his side should have ended even higher up the table after battling for the play-off places at the start of 2012.

Lee said: “From October to January we did well and started to flirt with the play-offs as we started to cut out silly individual errors at the back.

“But a bit like last season we slipped away and I think we underachieved in the end.”

Lee had to rebuild his squad last summer after a host of first team regulars departed the club, this is something he is hoping does not happen this time around.

“It was a disappointing start to lose a few players from the season before,” he said.

“It took a couple of months to get it going, with one or two players filtering back in.

“We played some good stuff, most people who came to watch us appreciate what we try to do.

“What we have to do this summer is to keep what we’ve got and add some experience.

“I’ve enjoyed the season, the boys are always learning what the Ryman League is all about and that there is no given right to win any game.”

Lee’s young side impressed and with a little more experience in the squad things could have been even better.

This was highlighted in the final game of the league season as Town, with an average players’ age of 21, suffered a 6-0 loss away to Leiston, whose average age was 26.

One of the stars of the Scholars’ season was striker James Gershfield who bagged 21 league goals and another four in other competitions.

His rise to prominence earned him the Most Improved Player award at the club’s end of season celebrations.

Lee is keen for the hitman, who made the step up from Spartan South Midlands League side London Lions, to remain with Potters Bar, he said: “From a selfish point of view I want him to stay, and for him I think it would do him good to stay and hit the ground running next season.

“The rest would take care of itself if he starts well with goals flowing.

“We give young players a chance and try not to put too much pressure on them although of course we want to win games.

“I want them to enjoy their football.”

One significant departure from the club during the past season was attacker and local lad Tom Pett, who left to join Ryman League Premier Division outfit Wealdstone.

“I was pleased for Tom Pett with his move, he did very well for us,” said Lee.

“After Tom left James Gershfield stepped up. Josh [Urquhart] has consistently done well and Rob Magwood did well when he came in [from St Albans City].

“The intention is to keep the crux of the players.

“I really enjoy the job, I think the only thing that would put me off is if we lost six or seven again, I’m hopeful we can all stick together, but if we lose six or seven we will be back to square one.”

The Scholars return to pre-season training at the end of June.

The game will be played at Summer Road the home of Walsham le Willows and kick off is at 7:30pm.

Please if possible go along and support the boys as they try for a victory that would see them complete a treble winning season.

The club have contacted several MPs and local concillors and two MPs have got back in touch, stating they are interested in meeting club officials to discuss all possible options. 

Labour MP for Leyton and Wanstead, John Cryer, has replied asking for the club to make a fomal approach, at which time he will talk to colleagues about setting up a meeting. 

Fomer Conservative party leader, Iain Duncan Smith, MP for Chingford, has been in touch and has set up a meeting with officials, including the Forest Chairman and Vice Chairman, for June 8, to disuss all options and alternatives. 

One site, at least, has been identified as the best location for a sports complex, including facilities for the football club. 

One person still to reply is Boris Johnson, Lord Mayor of London.

Leiston have won the race to sign prolific non-league goalscorer Ollie Mann and also attracted ex-Colchester United, Norwich City and Ipswich Town coach Steve Foley to the club as a replacement for Steve Ball, who is taking up a coaching position with Colchester.

The future of Brantham Athletic striker Mann has been a matter of speculation for the past 18 months after higher non-league and Football League clubs started to take notice of his goalscoring exploits.

The 22-year-old, who has scored 103 goals in the last three seasons, had a week-long trial at Colchester United earlier in the season, but it was cut short after just half-an-hour after he suffered a knee injury.

Mann said: “It is a great opportunity for me to progress my game. I have had a great time at Brantham, but I felt I needed a new challenge.

“Leiston ticked all the boxes, so after a lot of consideration I decided to go for it.

“When I heard Steve Foley was joining as first-team coach it was a massive incentive for me. He is a well-respected guy and I have been coached by Steve in the past at Brantham. The chance to work with someone like him was a huge draw for me.”

Foley, who has been working as a freelance coach since leaving Ipswich Town in the summer of 2010, has known Leiston manager Mark Morsley since they played together in the Clacton Sunday League around 25 years ago.

The ex-Colchester player said: “Mark Morsley approached me and it is the best offer I have had locally so far. It is a very good set-up and they are an ambitious club.”

Morsley said: “Steve’s appointment will raise everything about the club in terms of professionalism on-and-off the pitch.

Of Mann he said: “He is an exciting signing for us and will bolster what is already a decent squad.”

With thanks to Nick Garnham and The EADT

Friday 25th May League Constitutions announced (provisional)

Saturday 9th June: Ryman League Banquet and Ball in Brighton

Sunday 10th June Ryman League AGM in Brighton

Tuesday 3rd July Pre-season training starts

Thursday 5th July Announcement of FA Competitions early round draws (provisional)

Thursday 12th July Ryman fixtures released (provisional)

Sunday 5th August Ryman League Pre Season meeting

Saturday 18th August 2012/13 League season starts

30year old Calver returns to Hadleigh for a second spell after he was part of the 2009 side that won promotion from Division One. It was in the summer of 2009 when he joined Leiston and has spent three successful seasons at Victory Road including back to back promotions.

The tough-tackling midfielder also enjoyed four successful years with AFC Sudbury, making over 200 apps during his time there, scoring 46 goals.

Hadleigh United manager Stuart Crawford  said “Calvs offers all the attributes I’m looking for in a player and he will suit our style of play. We are moulding a side that can play football but are also fit and physically strong and he ticks all the boxes. He knows me well and I know what he can do. He is a winner and is a great addition to our side.”

Having already been voted the Supporters’ Player of the Season, he was the first team top scorer with 32 goals, and was picked by his team-mates as Players’ Player of the Season and by manager Steve Appleby as the Managers’ Player of the Season.

The game will take place at  Cornard United’s  Blackhouse Lane ground with a 3.00pm kick-off.

All support welcome, admission is FREE

On Tuesday 24th July AFC will entertain at The MEL Group Stadium a Colchester United X1 with a 7.45pm kick off

On Saturday 4th August AFC will travel to The Unwin Ground to take on Ely City with a 3.00pm kick off.

The other dates already announced are at away to Halstead Town on Friday 20th July and at home to an Ipswich Town X1 on Wednesday 1st August.

Manager Chris Tracey also announced that pre-season training will commence on July 3rd and will then be three times a week.

Barry Lakin Assistant Manager

There was news from the AFC camp that Barry Lakin would now become the club’s First Team Assistant Manager as well as their coach.

This means that after assisting manager Chris Tracey since January Ian Manby will return to his previous post, that of Reserve Team Manager, and Dave Walton reverting to being the Assistant Manager.

Ian Manby Back To Reserve Team Boss